Be Kind to Yourself – Illness & Exercise

And so it starts – a little tickle in your nose, the need for a tissue, and you know what comes next! What should you be doing when life throws you a sniffle or more?

Our system (aka body) is compromised by a foreign attack. Our immune system is going into overtime to protect it. When that happens, our bodies need MORE energy (calories) to fight off the invasion. Now, that doesn’t mean you can eat a tub of ice cream! When more energy is used to fight the invasion, our energy and performance is going to be lower and slower.

Every day, we are exposed to upper respiratory tract infections like colds, influenza, middle ear infections, coughs, throat infections, etc. Our bodies keep fending off these attacks but when you get one, you know you can be knocked down for the count.

The question becomes, do I keep my fitness routine going or do I rest? This infographic will help you determine if you should be exercising or recovering with some active rest. Remember to always listen to your body, make sure you get more rest and don’t overdo it.

If it feels like a simple cold, there’s no fever or you are on the mend – getting yourself moving will help you feel better faster. But do so with caution – keep it light with these activities:

Walking

Jogging

Swimming

Biking

Qi Gong

T’ai chi

Yoga

If the illness comes with fever, elevated heart rate, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain/ weakness, and enlarged lymph nodes, get some rest and, of course, medical attention! Exercising when you have a serious virus, can cause serious problems.